SGI Insurance Towing Claims: What Regina Drivers Must Know
Quick Answer: SGI (Saskatchewan Government Insurance) covers towing costs after a collision if the vehicle is not drivable and the tow is part of a valid insurance claim. Towing from the accident scene to an approved repair facility is typically included in your claim — you do not pay the tow truck driver directly in most cases. Mechanical breakdowns, dead batteries, and non-collision situations are not covered by standard SGI auto policies. Understanding what SGI covers before an accident happens saves you stress, confusion, and out-of-pocket expenses at the scene.
📋 Regina Towing works directly with SGI on collision claims — call (639) 477-9924 after any accident.
Why Every Saskatchewan Driver Should Understand SGI Towing Coverage
Saskatchewan is unique among Canadian provinces — SGI is the sole provider of basic auto insurance for every registered vehicle. Unlike other provinces where you choose between private insurers, every driver on Regina’s roads is insured through the same government system. This means one set of rules, one claims process, and one standard that applies to every insurance towing situation after an accident.
The problem is that most drivers never read their policy details until after a collision — and by then, they are making decisions under stress with incomplete information. Questions like “Do I pay the tow truck driver?” and “Will SGI cover this tow?” and “Can I choose which towing company to call?” all come up at the worst possible moment.
At Regina Towing, we work with SGI on towing and recovery claims every week. Our accident towing service handles the paperwork, bills SGI directly in most cases, and ensures your vehicle gets to an approved repair facility without you paying out of pocket at the scene. This guide explains exactly how SGI towing claims work so you are prepared before something happens.
What SGI Covers for Towing After an Accident
When your vehicle is involved in a collision and cannot be safely driven, SGI typically covers these towing-related costs as part of your claim:
💡 Key Point: SGI covers reasonable towing charges. This means standard rates for the distance and service required — not inflated fees from tow truck chasers or companies that overcharge at accident scenes. Working with an established towing company that has an existing relationship with SGI ensures the charges fall within accepted ranges.
What SGI Does NOT Cover for Towing
This is where many Regina drivers get caught off guard. SGI’s basic auto policy does not cover towing in these situations:
- Mechanical breakdown: Engine failure, blown transmission, overheating, or any non-collision mechanical issue. You need to pay for this tow yourself or through a separate warranty or CAA membership.
- Dead battery: A car boost or tow for a dead battery is not an insurance event. This is a roadside service you pay for directly.
- Flat tire: Tire change or tow due to a flat is not collision-related unless the flat was directly caused by an accident.
- Lockout: Being locked out of your car is not an insurable event under SGI.
- Running out of fuel: Fuel delivery is a roadside service, not an insurance claim.
- Non-collision ditch incidents: If you slide into a ditch due to icy roads but there is no vehicle damage and no other vehicle involved, standard SGI may not cover the ditch recovery. Collision coverage applies when there is actual damage.
- Excessive storage fees: If you delay picking up your vehicle or authorizing repairs, SGI may stop covering storage after a reasonable period. Prompt action keeps you covered.
For all non-collision towing needs, our affordable towing rates keep costs reasonable even when you are paying out of pocket.
The SGI Towing Claim Timeline: From Accident to Resolution
Here is the typical sequence of events from the moment of collision to the towing portion of your claim being settled:
At the Scene
Ensure everyone’s safety. Call 911 if there are injuries. Exchange information with the other driver. Photograph all damage, the scene, licence plates, and road conditions. Call your own accident tow truck — do not accept service from an uninvited tow truck.
Towing to a Safe Location
Your towing company transports the vehicle from the accident scene to a secure storage yard or directly to a repair facility. Tell the operator you will be filing an SGI claim — we can invoice SGI directly instead of charging you at the scene.
File Your SGI Claim (Within 24–48 Hours)
Report the collision to SGI online or by phone. Provide the police file number (if applicable), other driver’s information, your photos, and the towing company’s receipt or invoice number. The sooner you file, the faster the process moves.
SGI Damage Assessment
SGI assigns an appraiser to assess the vehicle damage. This determines whether the vehicle is repairable or a total loss. The appraiser may visit the storage location or the repair shop where the vehicle was delivered. Towing and storage fees up to this point are included in the claim.
Repair Authorization or Total Loss Decision
If repairable, SGI authorizes the repair shop to proceed. If totalled, SGI settles the claim based on fair market value. Either way, the towing and recovery costs are processed as part of the overall claim settlement.
Towing Costs Settled
SGI pays the towing company directly or reimburses you if you paid upfront. If we billed SGI directly at the scene, you never see a towing invoice at all. The towing cost is part of the total claim — it does not come out of your pocket separately.
Do You Have to Pay the Tow Truck Driver at the Accident Scene?
In most cases, no — if you use a towing company that works regularly with SGI. Here is how the billing typically works:
If you do pay at the scene, keep the receipt. Without it, reimbursement becomes complicated. For a detailed walkthrough of the insurance billing process, see our guide on insurance-approved accident towing in Regina.
In an Accident? We Handle the SGI Paperwork.
Direct billing to SGI. No out-of-pocket towing costs. 24/7 accident response.
6 Common Mistakes That Complicate Your SGI Towing Claim
1. Accepting a tow from an uninvited driver. Tow truck chasers who arrive at accident scenes without being called often charge inflated rates that SGI may refuse to reimburse in full. You end up paying the difference out of pocket. Always call your own towing and recovery company. See our guide on choosing a towing company for more on this issue.
2. Not documenting the scene. Photographs are critical for SGI claims. Without photos of vehicle positions, road conditions, damage, and the other driver’s information, the claims process slows dramatically and disputes become harder to resolve.
3. Delaying the claim. Report the collision to SGI as soon as possible — ideally within 24 hours. Delayed reporting raises questions and can complicate coverage for towing, storage, and repairs.
4. Losing the towing receipt. If you paid the tow truck driver at the scene, that receipt is your only proof of the expense. Take a photo of it immediately and store it digitally as a backup. Without it, SGI may not reimburse the charge.
5. Letting the vehicle sit in storage too long. SGI covers reasonable storage time while the vehicle awaits assessment. If you delay authorizing repairs or picking up a totalled vehicle, storage fees can accumulate beyond what SGI will cover — and you become responsible for the excess.
6. Not knowing your deductible. Saskatchewan’s basic auto insurance includes a deductible — the amount you pay before SGI covers the rest. Your towing cost may fall under this deductible, meaning SGI covers nothing if the total claim is below your deductible threshold. Verify your deductible amount by checking your SGI auto insurance policy.
Documentation You Need for an SGI Towing Claim
Having these items ready speeds up your claim and reduces the chance of coverage issues:
☑️ Photos of all vehicle damage — taken before the vehicle is moved
☑️ Photos of the accident scene — road conditions, skid marks, traffic signs
☑️ Other driver’s information — name, licence plate, SGI policy number
☑️ Police file number — if police attended the scene
☑️ Towing receipt or invoice number — if you paid at the scene
☑️ Towing company name and phone number — for SGI to verify charges
☑️ Drop-off location — where the vehicle was taken after towing
☑️ Witness contact information — if anyone saw the collision
Can You Choose Your Own Towing Company for an SGI Claim?
Yes, in most situations. When you call for a tow after an accident, you have the right to choose which company responds. SGI does not mandate a specific towing provider. However, there are some nuances:
- You call the tow: If you are the one calling for towing, choose any company you trust. SGI covers reasonable charges from any provider.
- Police call the tow: In some accident situations, especially on highways or when traffic must be cleared urgently, police may dispatch the nearest available tow truck. You can still request a specific company, but time-sensitive scenes may override your preference.
- SGI directs the tow: In rare cases, SGI may instruct that a totalled or disputed vehicle be taken to a specific inspection facility. Once inspected, you can choose where it goes next.
The takeaway: save our number (639) 477-9924 in your phone now. When an accident happens, calling us immediately gives you the best chance of controlling where your vehicle goes and how the towing charges are handled. For step-by-step guidance on what to do at the scene, read our accident towing guide.
Accident Towing and SGI Claims Across Regina
We respond to accident calls across all of Regina including Downtown, Harbour Landing, Albert Park, Normanview, University Park, Ring Road, Highway 1, and all surrounding areas. Our operators are familiar with SGI requirements and can direct-bill for qualifying collision claims. View our full service area.
Frequently Asked Questions About SGI Towing Claims
Does SGI pay for towing after every accident?
SGI covers towing when the vehicle is not drivable due to collision damage and the tow is part of a valid claim. Minor fender benders where the car is still drivable do not include towing coverage since towing is not necessary. The claim must also exceed your deductible for SGI to pay any portion.
How do I file an SGI towing claim?
Visit sgi.sk.ca/claims or call SGI directly. Provide the accident details, police file number, photos, and towing receipt. If we towed your vehicle and billed SGI directly, you may not need to submit a towing receipt separately — we handle that side.
Will SGI reimburse me if I paid the tow truck at the scene?
Yes, for reasonable towing charges related to the collision. Submit the original receipt with your claim. SGI reimburses the towing cost as part of the overall claim settlement. Charges that SGI considers unreasonable or inflated may not be fully reimbursed — another reason to use a reputable company with standard rates.
Does SGI cover towing for a mechanical breakdown?
No. Standard SGI auto insurance does not cover towing for mechanical failures, dead batteries, flat tires, or other non-collision issues. For these situations, you need to pay for towing directly. Our roadside assistance and breakdown towing services handle these at competitive rates.
Does filing an SGI towing claim raise my insurance rates?
Towing itself does not raise your rates — the at-fault collision does. If you are not at fault, your rates typically remain unaffected. If you are at fault, the collision claim may impact your safety rating and future premiums. The towing component is a minor part of the overall claim and does not carry separate rating consequences.
Can I get my car towed to any mechanic I choose after an accident?
Generally, yes. You can have your vehicle towed to any repair shop. However, SGI may require the vehicle to be inspected by an SGI appraiser before repairs begin. Some drivers have the vehicle towed to a secure storage location first, then moved to their preferred repair shop after SGI assessment. We can coordinate both tows as part of your claim.
How long will SGI pay for vehicle storage after an accident?
SGI covers reasonable storage time while the vehicle awaits inspection and while repairs are being authorized. The exact number of covered days varies by situation. Once SGI completes its assessment and authorizes repairs or declares a total loss, the clock starts ticking on your responsibility. Act promptly to avoid accumulating uncovered storage fees.
What if my car is totalled — does SGI still pay for the tow?
Yes. If the vehicle is declared a total loss, the towing and storage costs are included in the claim settlement. SGI settles based on the fair market value of the vehicle minus your deductible, and the towing expense is factored into that total. If you want to keep the vehicle, different rules apply — discuss this with your SGI adjuster.
Does SGI cover motorcycle towing after a motorcycle accident?
Yes. The same collision coverage that applies to cars applies to motorcycles. If your bike is damaged in a collision and cannot be ridden, towing is covered as part of the claim. Motorcycle towing requires a flatbed with specialized equipment — specify this when calling for the tow.
How do I contact SGI to file a claim?
You can file an SGI claim online at sgi.sk.ca/claims, by phone at 1-844-855-2744 (toll-free), or by visiting any SGI claims centre in person. The online portal is available 24/7 and is the fastest option for initiating your claim.
Accident? We Tow and Handle the SGI Claim.
Direct billing to SGI. No upfront payment at the scene. 24/7 response.
All vehicle types. Full documentation provided.